Understanding the experiences of women in the criminal justice system
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding the experiences of women in the criminal justice system
IRAS ID
174440
Contact name
Jacqueline Parkes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Northamtpon
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 19 days
Research summary
In Northamptonshire we have an alternative to remand accommodation with wrap around mental health support, which provides an alternative disposal to court for bail, if there is a consideration of mental health or learning disability. This bail period allows for thorough multi agency assessment to review health and social needs and present this to the Court for sentencing. On evaluating this pathway we found very positive results on improving health and also reducing offending behaviour. There were no specific areas of concern but it was noted that the project had only successfully completed the pathway with male offenders. This caused the services to review the pathways for women and ask the question of why community support was not appropriate for women in the criminal justice system. The local area has some very positive outcomes for women that have gone through the secure healthcare system but we wanted to know why women required this pathway and had not seemingly succeeded with a community pathway. Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, in collaboration with University of Northampton, wishes to explore women's experiences of the criminal justice system to inform future service developments. It is proposed that the Institute of Health and Wellbeing at Northampton University undertake a series of narrative interviews with 8 females within the criminal justice system, recruited by the Community Offender Health Service who track all Northamptonshire Service users within the Criminal Justice system. The interview team will also conduct telephone interviews with service providers to gain further collateral information.
REC name
East of England - Essex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/EE/0245
Date of REC Opinion
8 Oct 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion